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Saturday, 18 August 2012

Elephants - Toddler crafts, activities and resources

Elephants are the largest living land mammals with two different species - the African elephant and the Indian elephant. The most obvious difference between the two species is that the African elephant has larger ears, and is typically larger overall. The African elephant is also sometimes categorised into two sub-species - the savannah elephant and the forest elephant, with some experts preferring to refer to them as a seperate species. All male elephants have tusks, but only female African elephants do. The tusks are used for digging and searching for food. Elephants have no natural predators, although lions may prey on weak elephants in the wild. Find some really interesting elephant facts here, or more detailed elephant information here.

Elephant crafts

I don't know who was the first to look at a plastic milk bottle and notice the similarity to an elephant, but it's a fantastic craft idea and I particularly love this "Sparkle Lellifant".

Elephant activities

On a hot day, pretend to be an elephant with a water gun! Try drawing targets with chalk on walls or patio to practice that hand to eye co-ordination.

You can make an elephant trunk quite easily from the leg of an old pair of tights. Stuff with more old tights, or just with newspaper, then use elastic to attach around the face.

There are lots of elephant colouring pages that you can print and colour yourself. You don't need to stick to pens and crayons, you could use pieces of paper to collage with, glitter, dried pasta...anything small that can be glued in place!

Hasbro Elefun Game
- Classic and popular elephant game - catch the butterflies as they are blown out of the trunk. Young toddlers might not have the co-ordination, but they will be fascinated watching (under supervision only as the toy contains small parts).